Making a difference to safety on-site

Managing director of Donaldson Timber Engineering (DTE), Jonathan Fellingham discusses the safety implications of working with trussed rafters Timber roof trusses are large, heavy and require work at height. It’s safe to say that if guidelines are not adhered to,... View Article

Digging deep for value

To create more space in a tight plot of land, the once-popular basement could be the solution, as Delta Membrane Systems’ Director Brian Davison explains If there is a single criticism that makes a regular appearance when talking about new... View Article

Flooring for the discerning housebuilder

Peter Kelsey, managing director of one of the UK’s largest flooring contractors Designer Contracts, looks at current flooring trends and why both housebuilders and buyers have never had so much choice As one of the UK’s most sensitive economic indicators,... View Article

A brave new world for London Bridge station

One of the capital’s great historic railway stations is on course to become the well designed, attractive transport hub it should always have been. Ray Philpott explores the role of architecture in its renaissance London Bridge, the city’s first passenger... View Article

Clear Architects’ Haven House Hospice annexe

An expanding children’s hospice proved to be a challenging – but ultimately rewarding – architectural project, writes Melanie Clear Haven House Children’s Hospice is a charity that offers a home-from-home space for children and young people with life-limiting and life-threatening... View Article

Creating learning environments at Education Estates

Education Estates returns to Manchester Central on 11-12 November In order for pupils and students to realise their full learning potential, they need the best learning environments. Facilities that are purpose built for learning, not just for today’s needs but... View Article

Eight steps to the perfect roof

SIG Design & Technology’s Sales Director Ross Finnie outlines how the perfect roof can be built using a structured approach to roof design and specification. He offers useful guidance which you can apply time and time again to ensure maximum... View Article

Consumers drive evolution in wiring accessories

The importance of intuitive and custom design for wiring accessories. By Jason Ng, marketing communications specialist at MK Electric Before a small selection of consumer brands – most famously Apple led by its late founder Steve Jobs and chief designer... View Article

Fire safety & legal responsibilities

If you are an architect preparing the design for a new building or a retrofit, having an appreciation for and working knowledge of the latest fire safety legislation will ensure compliance and ultimately save lives. The latest government statistics show... View Article

Will SuDS legislation be put into place?

With the government now planning to hold a consultation to discuss where to go with SuDS, Andrew Gill, marketing manager of Brett Landscaping, wonders if and when any actual legislation will finally be put into place To admit to feeling... View Article

Pushing the energy efficient envelope

Chris Duckworth, commercial director of SipBuild UK, explores how the drive for sustainable construction is taking the industry huge strides closer to a more energy efficient building envelope. According to the Carbon Trust, 75 per cent of a building’s heat... View Article

A door to the future

Simon Hipgrave is managing director of Britain’s leading garage door manufacturer Garador. Here he explains what is involved in making that vital choice of a garage door for your home. In recent years, thanks to new materials and technology, modern... View Article

Framing a window revolution

Here, Chris Coxon, head of marketing at Eurocell, looks at why the latest frame designs offer self-builders more choice than ever when it comes to windows. One of the best decisions a self-builder can make is to invest in contemporary,... View Article

Rainwater harvesting takes on new importance

As dry spells and hosepipe bans become more common in the UK it is more important than ever before for self-builders to consider the benefits of rainwater harvesting. Martin Wadsworth of Aquattic Ltd explains both the short- and long-term advantages of... View Article

Good exterior landscaping is about more than kerb appeal

After another spring of storms and their subsequent flood stories making a stake in the headlines, Andrew Gill, marketing manager at Brett Landscaping, takes a look at the hard landscaping options available to the self-builder and offers advice on how... View Article

Built for sharing

The award-winning Lancaster Cohousing project on the banks of the River Lune is fast becoming an inspiration for sustainable low-cost communities of the future, as Heather Dixon reports. It took four friends with a vision, a huge leap of faith... View Article

Lead – a contemporary building material

Richard Diment, Lead Sheet Association (LSA) executive manager, discusses the relevance of rolled lead sheet in modern construction Lead is often perceived as a heritage material. That is understandable, considering that it has been used in construction for centuries, and... View Article

SIG Zinc & Copper detects metal renaissance

Growing numbers of architects are choosing metal for roofs and cladding not only because of its undoubted green credentials and lustrous good looks but also because the use of the material has evolved stylistically. By Simon Walker, category manager for... View Article